Exo for sure, I watched a 1st gen take a sketchy line and roll down the hill this past weekend.

Aaron

 

I don't think an exo will survive a hard flop if it just ends with a vertical B pillar. It needs some triangulation to keep it upright. Same with an internal cage. The B pillar would need some support to keep it folding forward.

I'm not worried about the crush factor, it's the pushing of the cage/exo either rearward or forward.

 

And then?? Damage, pictures, details!

 

I think the winshield bars will hold it in a sideways rollover. As to the front/rear, I agree the pix above are a little weak in that regard, but you could easily tie the top corner of the cab cage down and back to a support along the side of the bed. Essentially build a full exo for a pickup, then an internal cage to protect the rear passengers.

 

I've got to say, I'm with TC on this one. Make a full exo like for a pickup, let it run around the cab where you desire, and down the outside of the bed, then, use the stock roll bar to build off of and build an internal cage inside where the rear hardtop would go. I think that would look great!!

 

Well, I'm thinking of just exo'ing the thing.

Here's a picture of an exo'd 4Runner that I like the design of the exo.

 

No damage! Just rolled a few times landed rubber side down and back on the throttle, well after a quick cleanup of tools.

AAron

 

In college, my Senior Design advisor made NHRA roll cages, and he taught us quite a bit about how to make a strong cage.

The exo above violates a lot of those rules. Triangles are good, squares are bad. All the tubes need to come together in nodes (all to the same place, not offset). For example, the upper and lower fender hoops need to meet the A-Pillar bar at the same spot - not offset by the 6" or so. There needs to be at least another piece in the back connecting the little stub above the wheel arch to the spreader across the top. A LOT more triangulation.

There was a great explanation of all this on Xtreme4x4 last week BTW.

 

I agree with the more triangulation. I think the top bar and middle bar in the rear need at least one \/. Front fender-wise, I probably would do something different. Maybe just the one lower fender bar and not the upper bar. I would still run a horizontal cowl bar though.

 

Internals are stronger hands down, easier to have correct bracing and gusseting. How many of you guys responding have cages? Exo Cages add more weight to already top heavy rig and most end up looking like a jungle gym. I would rather save my life and my passenger than save sheet metal.

 

I am for an exo to save interior space.

That said, when I am ready for a cage, it will be just this far :::picture me holding my thumb and pointer finger very close together::: on the side of street legal.

 

There is nothing wrong with a properly built exo. However on 4runners especially, an internal cage is generally required to get the proper bracing. That said, I have a exo cage on my pickup and it has saved my windshield and pillars before. I like having the added protection, mine is a basic exo with most of the bracing and tube protecting the cab area.

There are trade offs, as with everything. Interior space is maximized with an exo, but gas mileage decreases.

Cant remember if it was mentioned before, but 300sniper on PBB has a real nice exo on his 1st gen 4runner.

 

His 4Runner is one of the best looking 1st Gen's on Pirate IMO. Thanks for the heads up on his cage design.